Beginner's Guide
GenPy is a gentle starting point for creators who are new to visual novels or game scripting.
What this guide is for
- Start making story content without learning everything at once.
- Explore the editor visually before you worry about advanced control.
- Build confidence by previewing your work early and often.
INFO
You do not need to know script syntax to begin. Write mode and guided tools help you start with story ideas first.
Getting oriented
When you open GenPy for the first time, start here:
- Begin with Write mode for a visual, no-code workflow.
- Use the AI assistant whenever you want help, ideas, or explanations.
- Open the demo project to see a finished example of scenes, characters, and choices.
Recommended learning path
- Create a project with Novel to Script by pasting in some text.
- Explore Write mode and drag story nodes into a structure that makes sense.
- Try the VN Player to preview what players will see.
- Open the Performance Editor to experiment with scene direction and presentation.
- When you feel comfortable, try Code mode for advanced control.
- Use Story Flow to plan bigger branching narratives.
Key concepts for beginners
- Labels are scenes, like chapters or story moments.
- Characters should be defined before they start speaking.
- Choices create branches where players pick different paths.
- Variables track game state such as affection, flags, or inventory.
Don't worry about these yet
You can begin creating without stressing about:
- Memorizing script syntax
- Making final art or audio before the story works
- Building complex logic from scratch
TIP
Focus on the story first and add visual polish later. Use the AI assistant freely, and save and export regularly so you always have a playable version of your project.
A good first goal
Aim to finish one short playable scene with a character, a choice, and an ending. That small win will teach you more than trying to design your whole game at once.